Auckland is a city that lives and breathes good food. From vibrant street eats to high-end degustation, it’s a place where cultures, cuisines, and creativity collide on the plate. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveller with an appetite for discovery, here are ten of the best dining experiences Auckland has to offer—starting with an iconic gem in the heart of the city.
1. Cooke’s Restaurant and Bar – Queen Street Elegance
Tucked inside the beautifully restored Fable Auckland, Cooke’s is a nod to the glamour of yesteryear with a distinctly modern twist. The menu draws inspiration from the restaurant’s 1920s roots while showcasing fresh, seasonal New Zealand produce. Expect refined yet comforting dishes—think Lumina lamb, market-fresh seafood, and divine house-made desserts—all served in an elegant art deco setting. The cocktail list is equally compelling, with signature drinks crafted to complement the culinary experience. Whether you’re in for a leisurely lunch, dinner date, or just drinks and bites before a show, Cooke’s delivers sophistication without pretension.
📍 58 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
2. Sid at The French Café – Fine Dining Mastery
A stalwart of the Auckland fine dining scene, Sid at The French Café continues to set the standard. Chef Sid Sahrawat blends technique and creativity in a menu that evolves with the seasons. Diners can choose between à la carte or a tasting menu, and every dish arrives as a piece of art—flawless, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying.
📍 210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace
3. Cassia – Contemporary Indian with a Twist
Cassia redefines Indian dining with bold, contemporary flair. The menu pays homage to traditional flavours while introducing unexpected pairings and elevated presentation. Hidden in an atmospheric Fort Lane basement, it’s ideal for an intimate dinner or a celebration with spice.
📍 5 Fort Lane, Auckland CBD
4. Amano – Italian Done Beautifully
Set in a heritage building by the waterfront, Amano is all about rustic Italian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The vibe is stylish yet approachable, the pasta is handmade, and the bakery next door tempts with buttery pastries from sunrise to late afternoon.
📍 66-68 Tyler Street, Britomart
5. Mr. Morris – Innovative Kiwi Cuisine
From the team behind the late, great Meredith’s, Mr. Morris in Britomart offers an intimate, ingredient-led menu that evolves daily. Expect native flavours, top-quality New Zealand meat and seafood, and beautifully plated dishes that feel both grounded and exciting.
📍 Corner of Galway & Commerce Streets, Britomart
6. Culprit – Modern Shared Plates with a Kiwi Edge
Culprit offers something truly different: a rolling trolley service that brings inventive small plates directly to your table. Inspired by Auckland’s multicultural identity and the dim sum experience, it’s fun, flavoursome, and endlessly shareable.
📍 Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
7. Pasture – Ultra-Fine Dining, No Menu
For the true food adventurer, Pasture is an experience like no other. With just six seats and a focus on fire cooking, fermentation, and foraged ingredients, every evening is a bespoke journey guided by chef Ed Verner’s creativity. Book well in advance.
📍 235 Parnell Road, Parnell
8. Depot Eatery – Laidback, Loud, and Lively
If you’re craving oysters, sliders, or wood-grilled anything, Depot is the place. It’s bustling, unpretentious, and always delicious. The wine list champions natural and local labels, and the service is fast-paced but friendly.
📍 86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
9. The Grove – European Sophistication Meets Kiwi Heart
A favourite for romantic dinners and special occasions, The Grove pairs modern European cooking with a New Zealand soul. The multi-course tasting menu changes regularly, and the wine pairing is thoughtfully curated from both local and international drops.
📍 St. Patrick’s Square, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
10. Azabu – Nikkei Flair in Ponsonby
Blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavours, Azabu offers an exciting menu of sushi, ceviche, and charcoal-grilled meats. The vibe is chic yet casual, and the cocktails—particularly those with sake or yuzu—are not to be missed.
📍 26 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn
Where Will You Dine Tonight?
From fine dining legends to buzzing modern eateries, Auckland is full of flavour—quite literally. Whether you’re wandering Queen Street or heading to the fringes of Ponsonby or Parnell, there’s something delicious waiting around every corner.